- Dangote issues 7-day ultimatum over alleged defamatory remarks
- Claims linked to Port Harcourt activities in the 1980s strongly denied
- Statements were aired on TrustTV interview
- ₦100bn damages demanded, plus public apology and retraction
Chairman of the Dangote Group, Dr. Aliko Dangote, has moved to protect his name after what he described as libellous statements made against him on national television.
In a strongly worded letter issued through his lawyer, Dr. Ogwu James Onoja (SAN), Dangote accused Engr. Kailani Mohammed of spreading false claims that questioned the source of his wealth and alleged he engaged in “unclean business” activities in Port Harcourt during the 1980s.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
The remarks were reportedly made during a TrustTV News interview on December 17, 2025, while Mohammed was responding to issues surrounding his petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Dangote’s legal team described the statements as reckless and damaging, stressing that they were capable of exposing him to public ridicule, suspicion, and international disrepute.
“Our client categorically states that at no time in his life has he carried out any business or wealth-generating activity in Port Harcourt, whether in the 1980s or at any other time,” the letter stated.
The letter further emphasised Dangote’s global standing, describing him as a businessman whose reputation was built through hard work, integrity, and perseverance, not illicit dealings.
READ ALSO: Police Take Over Malami’s Azbir Hotel, Arena in Kebbi Amid EFCC Probe
According to the demands outlined, Engr. Mohammed must:
- Publicly explain and substantiate his claims on the same platform
- Retract the statements in full
- Issue an unreserved public apology
- Pay ₦100 billion in damages
- Provide a written undertaking to desist from further defamatory remarks
Failure to meet these conditions within seven days, the letter warned, would result in civil and possible criminal defamation proceedings without further notice.
“Allegations of this nature made without proof on a national media platform are indefensible in law,” the lawyer added.
Dangote’s camp made it clear that the legal action would proceed if compliance is not achieved within the stipulated time.
